STONEBRIDGE Golf Club has become the 300th club to receive the GolfMark award.

The national scheme recognises clubs with junior and beginner-friendly golf facilities.

Stonebridge Golf Club has created initiatives to encourage more junior players, introduced membership packages for students and 21 to 26-year-old players and has been encouraging new women golfers to use the club.

An academy and dedicated team of PGA professionals is also on site to welcome new players with an innovative range of coaching programmes.

Stonebridge’s PGA professionals Darren Murphy and Andy Jones have been working with the Golf Foundation, a supporter of England Golf, to take golf into primary and secondary schools before arranging follow-up coaching at the club.

The club’s general manager, Mark Clarke, said: “We are delighted to receive GolfMark. The award is a badge which shows everyone in the community that we welcome beginners and provide an enjoyable environment to golfers of all ages.”